The Sour Pasta Party 32 takes the German brands most popular cross-country hardtail and redesigns it to work with the hottest wheel size of the moment. Miles has been putting the Pasta Party 32 through its paces over the last few months as his daily driver and bikepacking rig to see what it does best and uncover the truth about bikepacking on 32-inch wheels. Dig into his review hereThe post Sour Pasta Party 32 Review: Big Wheels Keep on Turnin appeared first on BIKEPACKING.com.

Honoring this being the 113th Tour de France, Bianchi has painted up just 113 limited-edition frames as their all-new, ultralight all-rounder Specialissima RC becomes the official bike of Le Tour. A mix of yellow, green, white, and red polka dots adorn what is probably the most advanced carbon road bike Bianchi has ever built. Carrying on its place in the Italian bikemakers lineup, the new Specialissima RC is ultralight at just 750g, yet now features sleeker aerodynamics than ever, proven Countervail carbon tech to ensure a smooth ride, and 2026 Tour de Frances official bike is the all-new Bianchi Specialissima RC(All photos/Bianchi)Yes, it feels a bit strange that there is a single official bike for a Grand Tour of 23 teams racing on aero, climbing & TT bicycles from 20 different bike makers. Yet, the ASO and Bianchi have signed a multi-year cross-promotion deal, so here we are. Really, its not a huge surprise, as Bianchi told us of their ambitions to reassert dominance in professional road racing when I toured the HQ outside of Milan last summer. They even gave us a glimpse of what could be next years bike of the Tour teasing an upcoming Oltre RC redesign, too?But yes, Bianchi is in the peloton again at the Tour. They are the bike supplier for Bahrain-Victorious. Bianchi is even first place among the bike suppliers (*in alphabetical order, at least). All kidding aside, the new Specialissima RC looks like a pretty killer road bike. Up to 16W more aero than the previous generation and weighing just 750g. And love or hate the Tour leaders jersey-themed paint job of this limited edition, it is a bike that would stand out in any peloton.Above all, this limited edition is pretty intense. 113 numbered framesets are being hand-painted in the Reparto Corse workshop in Milan. They are available exclusively in a single 12,900 complete build with a 12-speed, semi-wireless Shimano Dura-Ace Di2 groupset, then the new top-tier Reparto Corse RC 49R chopped carbon finish wheels. Also, theres even a special Tour edition Prologo Choice 140 saddle, too. Plus, buyers will also get a collectors welcome kit that includes a 1:12 scale mini replica of the bike, individually numbered to match your real bike.All-new 2026 Bianchi Specialissima RC CV ultralight road bikeThe Specialissima has long been Bianchis more classic, lightweight all-rounder road racing bike. But while this next generation drops at least 40g to be the lightest yet (without sacrificing stiffness), it is also measurably more aerodynamic saving up to 16W at 50km/hr racing speeds. And honestly, those two improvements alone are most impressive because the new bike really doesnt look all that different from the previous generation that debuted 3 years ago. In fact, this new 2026 Bianchi Specialissima RC manages to look slightly more traditional, almost less like an aero road bike, which I feel like is a nice way to differentiate it from all the cookie-cutter aero bikes we see on the road these days.Whats new?The biggest frameset changes then are a slimmer toptube design, a new D-shaped aero seatpost, and deeper, smoother fork blades. Further boosting aero performance, though, is a new integrated handlebar and stem cockpit. The Specialissimas geometry hasnt changed at all. But working with Team Bahrain Victorious, the new integrated cockpit is said to be 25% more aerodynamic, while also offering a much wider range of fit adjustments. That all centers around narrow 37.5-41.5cm spacing for leaned-in hoods, slightly flared drops, and effective stem lengths from just 90mm all the way up to 140mm, since the pros often prefer to size down their frame paired with a longer cockpit setup.Another shift is that all new Specialissima frames feature Countervail (CV) vibration-cancelling technology, something previously reserved for just one of the 3 carbon layups of the all-rounder. Its also a new CV recipe that promises improved vibration damping at even lighter weights. Plus, the new Bianchi Specialissima is still offered in 3 tiers, but theyve simplified with just two lightweight carbon layups RC at the top, then Pro & no unnamed comp sharing a 100g heavier mix of carbon.Tech detailsSpecialissima frame available in 2 carbon spec levels across three model levels: RC and Pro/Standard RC claimed frame weight 720g (50g, size M/55) Pro/standard claimed frame weight 850g (50g, size M/55)all Specialissima frames include carbon Countervail (CV) vibration damping tech insideall complete bikes include new Bianchi Reparto Corse Carbon integrated handlebar+stem combo available in 18 size combinations: 90-140mm stem lengths, 375-415mm c-c bar widths measured at the hoods bar features 80mm reach, 125mm drop & 2 flare; stem is -7fully integrated internal cable routing through handlebar & 1.5 headsetstandard Acros ICR headset & routing interfacenewly only compatible with electronic shiftingproprietary D-shaped aero seatpost with internal wedge clampflat mount disc brakes and 12mm thru-axlesUDH standardBB86 PressFit bottom bracketmax 32mm tire clearanceUCI-approved for racingavailable in 7 frame sizes (47-59cm)Bianchi Specialissima RC Pricing, options & availability2026 Bianchi Specialissima Rival AXSThe all-new Bianchi Specialissima is available in several complete builds, and several standard paint jobs two of which still include at least a touch of classic celeste!2026 Bianchi Specialissima RC Dura-Ace Di2 (and a bird)Builds start at 5200 with either Rival AXS or 105 Di2. And they climb up to 11,550 with either SRAM Red AXS 212 or Shimano Dura-Ace Di2 212, both with power meters. (Dont ask us about the bird!) Or you can pay thirteen hundred euros more for the limited-edition Tour model while they last, and get a mini replica, too.RC or Pro frameset layups (l-r)But if you want to build up your own bike, you can also buy a frameset in either of the two carbon spec options. The 5200 Specialissima RC frameset comes only in Antarctica frozen white, Celeste green & black. On the other hand, the 4200 Specialissima Pro frameset is offered in 3, arguably nicer colors. Pick from two-tone Petroleum Celeste blue-green, Aurora with exposed UD carbon & iridescent blue, or Ying/Yang with exposed UD carbon & Italian white.Custom Officina Bianchi finishes, too!There are even six more hand-painted finishes available in the new Officina Bianchi custom paint shop program. Theres new sunrise-inspired Alba fades, Archivio Celeste for those who cant get enough of Bianchis iconic blue-green, or Nebulosa that blendsblue, purple, orange, and celeste in a deep space theme. Or go for existing Bluemarine Drip, Miami Drip, or Canova hand-painted looks that we previewed in Milan for a truly unique-looking road bike. Get yours from your local Bianchi dealer today.Bianchi.comThe post All-new Bianchi Specialissima RC is the Official Bike of the Tour de France, in LTD Livery appeared first on Bikerumor.

The 2026 Tour de France is becoming an important stepping stone in the career of Ilan van Wilder, who is taking up leadership at Soudal - Quick-Step and aiming for GC after the departure of Remco Evenepoel. The Belgian rider outlines the importance of following his own path and doing his own race, i...

Based in Freiburg, Germany, Tout Terrain has launched a versatile new bike called the Chiyoda III Select 7.1. This is a bike that combines everyday convenience with all-road capabilities. For those cyclists out there who are looking for the perfect do-it-all companion, this could be your bike.(Photos / Tout Terrain)The Chiyoda III Select 7.1 is built around the brands Stratocrom steel frame and a Pinion C1.9 internal gearbox. Pair that with a Gates Carbon Drive belt, and you get a combination that means fewer moving parts to worry about. No derailleur to go out of adjustment and no chain to keep lubed. What sets Chiyoda III Select 7.1 apart from a typical commuter is its readiness to handle more than just smooth pavement. Specd with Continentals 50mm Terra Adventure tires, you get enough volume and grip to roll confidently over cobblestones, gravel paths, or the occasional pothole without issue. The relaxed geometry and riser handlebars put you in an upright position thats practical enough for daily riding, as well as being easy on the back during longer trips.Basket BomberOn the practical side, the bike comes equipped with a very nice Cycles Manivelle N55 Edition front basket. This simple addition gives you immediate carrying capacity right out of the box. The light grey glossy powder-coat finish gives the Chiyoda III Select 7.1 a clean and understated look. The basket adds a pop of color to the clean look of the bike. Beyond that, the frame and fork are loaded with mounting points, so adding panniers, bottle cages, or other accessories is easy.Chiyoda III Select 7.1 Retail & DetailRetail: $3,899FeaturesFrame: Chiyoda steel frame | Tout Terrain Stratocrom tubing Size: S, M, L, XLFork: Tout Terrain Expedition Fork IVFrame color: Light grey glossyTire clearance: 650B x 54mm, 700C x 50mmDrive: Pinion C1.9 gearbox | Gates Carbon Drive belt driveAxle dimensions: Front: 12/100mm thru axle | Rear: 12/142mm thru axleBrake mount: Front: Flat Mount 160-180mm | Rear: Flat Mount 160-180mmFork type: Rigid fork (steel)Handlebar type: Flat-barLuggage carrier type: Front RackFrame lock compatible: YesMaximum weight allowed: 130 kg (frame) / 10 kg (pack carrier)Belt tensioning system: Tout Terrain TBA (swiveling gearbox bridge)Solder-on parts: 4Crank: Forged pinion | CDX:SL 39T pulley | S/M: 170mm, L/XL: 175mmCassette: Gates Carbon Drive CDX: BLACK | 32ZChain / Belt: Gates Carbon Drive CDX Centertrack beltGearshift lever: Pinion twist gripHandlebars: Tout Terrain Ergo Rise 30 | 700mm | 30mm Rise | 16 backsweepStem: Tout Terrain | 100mm | +/- 6Grips: Tout Terrain Ergo screw gripsBrake: Magura MT Sport | hydraulic disc brakeBrake disc size (front/rear): 180mm/160mmTires: Continental Terra Adventure (black/transparent) | 28x2.0 / 50-622Wheel/rim: Tout Terrain ADVTR AL24 | until 06/26 DT Swiss G540Front wheel hub: Shutter PL-7 hub dynamo | Centerlock disc brake mountRear wheel hub: Tout Terrain EX-R4 1S | Centerlock brake disc mountLuggage rack: Manivelle Basket N55 EditionSeatpost: Tout Terrain | 27.2mmSaddle: WTB Volt Medium Check out the link below for all the details and to order your own Chiyoda III Select 7.1.Tout-Terrain.BikeThe post Tout Terrains New Chiyoda III Select 7.1 is A Belt Drive, Gear Box, Basket Bike appeared first on Bikerumor.

How many Tour de France stages do you think Tadej Pogaar will win this edition? Before this year, the UAE Team Emirates-XRG rider had won 21 times across six races, so an average of 3.5 stages per race, or a win every six days, if you prefer that metric. For context, Marcel Kittel won 14 stages in six Tours, 2.3 a race, or a win every seven days, in total. Kittel was a dominant sprinter, while Pogaar is a general classification rider.After three stages of the 2026 Tour de France, Pogaar has already won a 22nd stage, putting him just 13 behind the record held by Mark Cavendish. Feasibly, the Slovenian could win another five stages; even when he finished second at the 2023 race, he won two. That doesnt leave many opportunities for other teams. Stage two was won by his teammate, Isaac del Toro, while stage ones team time trial was won by Visma-Lease a Bike. There are now 18 more days for teams to make an impact; if we imagine that at least a few of the days in the big mountains are destined for GC riders, and there will be a handful of days which end in bunch sprints, then it doesnt leave a lot for everyone else.Spare a thought for the 18 riders who fought hard to make the breakaway on stage three. Given their size, how early it was in the race, and how there were unlikely to be huge gaps at the finish line, they would have all been hoping that they would have some leeway to compete for the stage win. Getting in a break is not something that happens by accident, but after a lot of effort, positioning, and skill, so for it all to be for nothing must have been dispiriting.UAE did not need to pull them back on Monday; the race was not on the line, there is lots of road to win the yellow jersey on. As soon as Tuesday morning, there was speculation that Pogaar might be looking to give the jersey back away, so they dont have to control the race for basically three weeks. Therefore, stage three was just a show of strength, a point proven, the Slovenian and his team showing that they can do what they want. The Tours organisers, ASO, probably loved the opening stages, the big names in the distinctive jerseys, a GC battle which, for now, has the illusion of being close, due to there not being incredibly selective climbs. For the casual fan, I suppose its nice to see the big names doing it all.However, I long for some novelty, for not complete domination, for teams not called UAE, or Visma to a lesser extent, to dictate the race, and to allow other story lines to grow. Perhaps this will happen on stage four, and there are still a lot of stages left, I just fear another Tour de Pog. At least wait until the Vosges, please. By the way, I think Pogaar has four more stages in him this year; any advance?This piece is part of The Leadout, the offering of newsletters from Cycling Weekly and Cyclingnews. To get this in your inbox, subscribe here.If you want to get in touch with Adam, email adam.becket@futurenet.com.

Abel Balderstone was again one of the Spanish protagonists of stage 3 of the 2026 Tour de France. The Caja Rural-Seguros RGA rider made the days break, once more showing his attacking instincts on a brutally demanding stage before being reeled in by the peloton in the decisive phase. After crossing...

If you've gone bikepacking in British Columbia, you've likely ridden on a resource road. In an effort to identify which roads are most important for recreation access, the Outdoor Recreation Council of BC has launched a Resource Road Access Survey. Learn more and complete it here...The post British Columbia Resource Road Access Survey appeared first on BIKEPACKING.com.